From:
William Herschel
To:
William Wallace
Date:
8 Jul 1812
Source of text:
MSH 4 / 326, Dep. c. 370, Bod, MS
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
Brigitte Stenhouse
No summary available.
Thanks for letter and packet of seeds from Russia. Received Smith's letter of 22 June concerning particulars of [Francis] Masson's [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector] life. Lists Masson's achievements and services to botany, explains how he procured Masson's journals and collections from his nephews, describes his character. [Charles] Konig and Sim's article in "Annals of Botany", believes there is enough material for a "Memoranda Massonium". Large numbers of people coming to see his nursery's collection of roses [Lee & Kennedy's Vineyard Nursery, Hammersmith].
Further comments on his original query [see CB's 1812-6-20] regarding the equation in calculus.
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Discusses specimens of 'Triticum' previously sent to Goodenough, encloses specimen of 'T. alpinum', very rare. Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 2. nondescript 'Bromus' like 'B. sylvaticus'; 3. 'Aira' like 'A. caespitosa', proposes name 'A. gromerata'; 4. a new 'Statice', proposes name 'S. alba' or 'S. subulata'. Asks Goodenough to forward this letter to Dr [James Edward] Smith.
Pleased to hear that Smith is recovering from his fever with medicines and sea air but asks why, given his propensity for fevers, he has not found a preemptive remedy to be applied at the first signs of one. An abundant harvest expected in Cumberland. Has used his entomological knowledge to cure his farmer's fears timing when to bring in the hay after observing that any approach of rain brings out insects such as 'Tabanus pluralis'. Enquires after the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". His given his son, Edmund, Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Glad that Smith is to finish settling the Linnean Society's business with the Prince Regent. It never rains all day in his part of the country. Takes it for granted that America will have to be classed as an enemy but hopes peace will be preserved [War of 1812, fought between Britain and USA over British interests in North America, 1812-1815].
Feels in better health than for the last 12 months. Received letter from [Olof] Swartz informing him that [Erik] Acharius is complaining over lack of acknowledgement of the lichens he sent. Intends to forward book on Swedish botany received for Linnean Society once he has looked over it. Wrote to Colonel [John] McMahon [(c 1754-1817), Private Secretary to the Sovereign 1811-1817] as Macleay suggested.
Thanks Smith for information on 'Arenaria rubra' and seeds of the '[Aloexylum] agallochum', though her gardener does not think it will survive without a hothouse. Invites Smith to visit. If she can get a frank will enclose a plant from Mr Hempsted, a botanist friend who is currently staying.
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Thanks Smith for acknowledging receipt of two copies of his "Hortus Botanicus". Answers Smith's query on what genus the "Cunep" is, which he finds noted as 'Melicocca bijuga', or Canep Honey Berry.
About the mathematical formulation for the summation of any series.
Giving equations.
Angry at self and whole world except JW. Has been drunk and travelling. Met brilliant but 'not beautiful' woman. Wonders why he left Cambridge; requests news and offers advice.
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Describes his experiences in court; talks about their mutual friend J. W. Whittaker [letter completed 1812-8-11].
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